Kentucky Boys on Kentucky’s Court

Jasper Johnson's commitment ceremony drew a lot of media members and had a live national video stream. (Elaine Bailey/Woodford County Schools)

By LILIA SAXENA SMITHSON, Contributing Writer

From the 859, the 606, the 270 to the 502 — BBN loves our basketball hometown heroes.

On Thursday, Jasper Johnson, the nation’s No. 13 recruit from Versailles, verbally committed to play at the University of Kentucky, putting UK as the 2025 No. 2 recruiting class.

The Woodford County High School gym was a buzz. Johnson’s old classmates, teammates, coaches, and teachers cheered as his new fans watched on TV from the numerous live streams posted in front of his decision table.

This intense enthusiasm does not stop for players on their signing day. Take Reed Sheppard, for example — his initial commitment was just the beginning of outright Big Blue fanfare.

First, we have the boy next door love story — he’s from a small town, London in Laurel County, with parents who wore the blue and white, so how can we not feel inclined to love him right off the bat?

So naturally, WE NEEDED MERCH. “And the Lord Said a SHEPPARD Will Lead Us,” on a hat? Does it really get better than that? I bought one, so I can vouch that it does not.

All of this love was backed with the fact that he could play. Reed was an outright baller. He hit the shots and got the rebounds. His skills knew no end, and now we have our very own as a third-round draft pick in the NBA.

Reed Sheppard — London, KY
Jasper Johnson — Versailles, KY
Trent Noah — Harlan, KY
Travis Perry — Eddyville, KY
Malachi Moreno — Georgetown, KY

All our Bluegrass boys live the “Kentucky Dream,” and we UK fans can’t help but fall in love with their stories and successes. So every time one of these stars comes home to, “fight fight fight for the blue and white,” we will cheer, cheer, cheer until, “they bring home the victory.”